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Chocolate Candy: US Market Trends and Opportunities, 15th Edition

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from $3,995 340 Pages Packaged Facts March, 2025 LA19886829
Best Price Guarantee
Price from $3,995
Length 340 Pages
Publisher Packaged Facts
Published Date March, 2025
SKU LA19886829

This report examines the $33.7 billion US chocolate candy market, which is forecast to grow at an average annual rate of 1.8% through 2029.

Consumer demographics, perceptions, motivations, and behavior are examined as pertaining to dietary choices and consumption of chocolate.

Sales of chocolate candies in the scope of this report are segmented by type from 2019 through 2024 and forecast from 2025 through 2029:

  • box/bag/bar
  • gift box
  • holiday/seasonal
  • novelty
  • snack size
  • sugar free
This report also provides chocolate and snack food shipments in real and inflation-adjusted dollars from 2019 through 2024, 2025, and 2029.

Retail sales are estimated as a total market size including sales from a vast array of retailers such as:
  • grocery stores and supermarkets (e.g., Kroger and Albertsons)
  • mass merchandisers (e.g., Walmart, Target, and Meijer)
  • warehouse clubs (e.g., Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s)
  • discount grocers (e.g., ALDI and Save-a-Lot)
  • dollar stores and drug stores (e.g., Dollar General and CVS)
  • convenience stores and travel centers (e.g., 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Pilot/Flying J)
  • specialty and natural foods stores (e.g., Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Sprouts Farmers Market)
  • chocolate shops and gift shops (e.g., Godiva Chocolatier, Edible Arrangements, Hallmark Shop)
  • farmers’ markets, co-ops, and local businesses
  • online retailers, including online sales via third-party apps and the retail websites of brick-and-mortar grocers (e.g., Amazon, Instacart, 1800flowers.com, Kroger.com, Walmart.com, Harryanddavid.com)
Additionally, this report examines the potential for chocolate alternatives. The reasons for and implications of shifts in consumer perception and behavior are analyzed in the context of future market opportunities.

Major competitors in the chocolate market and development of ingredients and new products are examined. Retail and packaging trends – both in general and in the chocolate market – are also analyzed.

The report has dozens of tables showcasing numerical survey data on consumer demographics and psychographics and numerous marketing photographs. This report goes in-depth on historical trends that have affected the food and beverage market.


  • Executive Summary
    • Chocolate Prices Surging
    • Opportunities for Growth and Product Innovations
    • Everyday and Holiday Chocolate Eating Occasions
    • Priorities When Buying Chocolate
    • Scope
  • Recent Historical Trends
    • Highlights
    • Rising Prices: From Supply Chain Crunches to Inflation
      • Table Consumer Concerns about Rising Food Prices, 2021 – 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Rising Prices Impact Consumer Behavior
      • Increasing Chocolate Prices
      • Cutting Back on Household Expenses
        • Table Consumers Cutting Back on Household Expenses in the Last 12 Months, 2022 (percent of consumers)
        • Table Types of Household Expenses Cut Back on in the Last 12 Months, 2022 (percent of consumers)
        • Table Consumer Spending on "Extras", 2023 – 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Private Labels Are More Desirable as Prices Rise
      • The Vast Majority of Consumers Have Noticed the Rising Cost of Food, and Many Are Changing Their Purchasing Decisions
      • Consumers Find Price More Important for Food Purchase Decisions in 2024
    • Snacking and Healthy Eating Habits
      • Snacking Trends Are Important to Chocolate
      • Trends in 2022
      • Changes to Snacking Habits in 2023
        • Table Current Snacking Activity Compared to Pre-Pandemic Levels, 2023 (percent of consumers)
      • Increasing Use of Semaglutide Medications Can Change Snacking and Eating Habits
    • Online Grocery Shopping and Convenience Food Options
      • The COVID-19 Pandemic Was the Jumpstart the Online Grocery Market Needed
      • Impact on the Chocolate Market
      • Activity in 2023 and 2024
        • Table Consumer Use of Food Ordering Methods in the Last 12 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers)
        • Table Consumer Frequency of Food Ordering Methods in the Last 3 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who have used each method in the last 12 months)
        • Table Consumer Frequency of Food Ordering Habits Now Compared to 12 Months Ago, 2024 (percent of consumers who have used each method in the last 12 months)
        • Table Consumer Expected Changes to the Frequency of Food Ordering Habits in the Next 12 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Work Habits
      • Food Trends in the Context of Changes to Work
      • Changes to Work Patterns Continued in 2022
      • Working from Home in 2023
        • Table Ability to Work from Home and Frequency of Remote Work, 2023 (percent of consumers)
        • Table Working at a Co-Working Space or Working from Home, 2023 (percent of consumers)
        • Table Consumer Rating of Experiences Working at a Co-Working Space or Working from Home, 2023 (percent of consumers who have ever had each experience)
        • Table Consumer Opinions on Working at a Co-Working Space or Working from Home, 2023 (percent of employed consumers)
      • Work Habits in 2024
        • Table Where Time Is Spent during a Typical Work Week, 2024 (percent of employed consumers)
      • Typical Work Arrangements
    • Personal Feelings of Wellbeing
      • Reporting Negative Mental States in 2023
      • Continuing Mental and Physical Health Effects in 2024
        • Table Current Feelings on Mental and Physical Symptoms Compared to "Normal" or Preferred Level, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Stress Levels and Impact on Food/Beverage Consumption
  • Overview and Market Trends
    • Highlights
    • Sustainability and Environmental Trends of Chocolate Production
      • Deforestation and Human Rights Concerns
      • Chocolate Marketers Working Toward Improving the Cocoa Supply Chain
      • Sustainable Farming Techniques
      • Fair Trade Chocolate as a More Ethical Product
      • Climate Change Impacts on Cocoa Production
      • The Potential for Chocolate Alternatives in the Wake of Environmental and Social Sustainability Concerns
    • Food Allergies, Intolerances/Sensitivities, and Other Dietary Restrictions
      • Food Allergies and Intolerances Among Consumers
      • Prevalence in 2024
      • Rising Rates of Reported Food Allergies and Lactose Intolerance over Time
        • Table Food Allergies and Lactose Intolerance, 2017-2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Plant-Based and Plant-Forward Trends
      • Definitions
      • Plant-Based Dairy Products
      • Plant-Based Eating and Sustainability Are Buzzwords Important to the General Public
      • Nearly One-Fourth of Consumers Claim to Primarily Follow a Flexitarian Diet in 2024
    • Following Specific Eating Patterns/Diets
      • Special Eating Restrictions and Preferences Followed
        • Table Special Eating Restrictions and Diets Followed, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Younger Consumers and Those with Higher Incomes Are More Likely to Follow a Special Diet
      • Priorities Placed on Food Characteristics
        • Table Priorities Placed on Foods, 2024 (percent of consumers)
        • Table Clean Label Priorities Placed on Foods, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Motivations for Following Specific Eating Patterns
    • Mindful and Intuitive Eating
      • Definition
      • Motivations for Practicing Mindful Eating
      • Frequency of Feelings and Behaviors Associated with Mindful and Intuitive Eating Patterns
      • Relationship with Food
    • Home Baking Trends
      • Baking for Indulgence, Nostalgia, or Comfort
      • Convenience Foods and Semi-Homemade Foods
      • Branding Can Increase Appeal of Baking Products
    • Snacking Trends
      • Frequency of Snacking
        • Table Frequency of Snacking Habits on a Typical Weekday, 2024 (percent of consumers)
        • Table Frequency of Snacking More Than Once a Day or Eating Breakfast, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Snacking Demographics
        • Table Always or Usually Eating Breakfast or Snacking More Than Once a Day by Demographic, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Reasons for Snacking
        • Table Reasons for Snacking, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Preferred Types of Snacks
        • Table Preferred Types of Snacks, 2023 (percent of consumers)
      • "Snackification" of Meals
      • Increasing Use of Semaglutide Medications Can Change Snacking and Eating Habits
    • Nutrients Sought by Consumers
      • Consumers Continue to Seek Out Protein Sources
      • Sources Used to Consume Nutrients
      • Health Benefits Sought
      • Actions Taken to Avoid or Limit Saturated Fat
      • Sugars, Sweeteners, and Artificial Ingredients
        • Table Consumer Agreement on Statements about Sugars and Avoidance of Ingredients, 2024 (percent of consumers)
  • Sales, Shipments, and Consumer Use of Chocolate
    • Highlights
    • Scope
    • Shipments of Snack Foods and Chocolate Confections
      • Table Snack Food and Chocolate Shipments, 2019-2024, 2025P, 2029P (billion dollars)
      • Table Snack Food and Chocolate Shipments, 2019-2024, 2025P, 2029P (billion 2017 dollars)
    • Chocolate Retail Sales
      • Category Dollar Sales
        • Table Chocolate Candy Retail Sales by Type, 2019-2024 (million dollars)
        • Table Chocolate Candy Retail Sales by Type, 2024, 2025P-2029P (million dollars)
      • Opportunities for Growth
      • Luxury, Premium, and Everyday Chocolate
    • Most Consumers Have Purchased Chocolate in the Last Six Months
    • Boxed Chocolate Brands
      • Table Purchases of Boxed Chocolate Brands in the Last Six Months, 2019-2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Brands of Other Chocolate Formats
      • Table Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, A-G, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, H-L, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, M-O, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, P-S, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table Purchases of Chocolate Brands in Other Formats in the Last Six Months, T-Y, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Chocolate Consumption Frequency
      • Table Frequency of Chocolate Consumption by Flavor/Type, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Purposes of Chocolate Use
      • Table Purposes of Chocolate Consumption by Type, 2024 (percent of consumers who use each chocolate type)
  • Retail and Marketing Trends and Opportunities
    • Highlights
    • Food Gifting Trends
      • Food Gifts Purchased for Others
        • Table Food Gift Types Purchased for others in the Last 12 Months, 2014-2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Food Gifts Purchased for Self
        • Table Food Gift Types Purchased for Self in the Last 12 Months, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Personal Food Gifts
        • Table Personal Food Gift Types Received in the Last 12 Months, 2020-2024 (percent of adults who received a personal food gift)
      • Work-Related Food Gifts
        • Table Work-Related Food Gift Types Received in the Last 12 Months, 2020-2024 (percent of adults who received a business food gift)
      • Frequent Chocolate Consumption by Purchases and Receipt of Food Gifts
        • Table Frequent Chocolate Consumption Activity by Purchases and Receipt of Food Gifts, 2024 (percent of consumers vs. percent of consumers who use chocolate at least often)
      • Personalization and Customization Is Important in the Chocolate Food Gifting Space
    • Indulgence vs. Health
      • Clean Label and "Better-for-You" Trends
      • There Is No Single Universal Definition of "Clean Label"
      • Different Levels of Processing
      • Clean Label Chocolate Products
      • Companies Are Investing in Big Data to Satisfy Consumer Desires for Transparency
      • Consumers Think Small and Medium Businesses Have More Credibility
      • Unrefined Sugar
      • Sugar-Free/No Sugar Added, Low Sugar Products, and Alternative Sweeteners
      • Low-Carb/High Protein, Keto, and Paleo Diets May Influence the Choice to Consume Chocolate
      • Addition of Nuts, Fruit, Seeds, Fillings, and Other Ingredients for Increased Nutrition
      • Vegan/Plant-Based Chocolate Appeals to Those Looking to Eat a Plant-Forward Diet
      • Organic Products
    • Unique Flavors and Flavor Combinations
      • Flavor Innovation with New Cocoa Beans
      • Limited Edition and Seasonal Flavors
      • Social Media Trends Driving New Flavor Development
      • Small Businesses Often Produce the Most Unique Chocolate Flavors
      • Capturing Flavor Trends While Reducing Costs
    • Candy Adjacencies
    • Targeting LGBT Consumers, a Growing Demographic
    • Families with Children Are Important Consumers of Chocolate
    • Major Holidays
      • Table Extension of Holiday Celebrations Compared to Pre-Pandemic Behavior, 2020-2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Winter Holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa)
        • Table Planned Winter Holiday Gift Spending, Total and Per Person, 2016-2024
      • Valentine's Day
        • Table Planned Valentine's Day Spending, Total and Per Person, 2017-2024
      • Mother's Day
        • Table Planned Mother's Day Spending, Total and Per Person, 2016-2024
      • Easter
        • Table Planned Easter Spending, Total and Per Person, 2016-2024
      • Halloween
        • Table Planned Halloween Spending, Total and Per Person, 2016-2024
    • Weddings & Anniversaries
      • The Percentage of Consumers Who Are Married Has Fallen, But More People Are Now Living With Domestic Partners
        • Table Marriage Statistics, 2014-2024
      • Same-Sex Marriages
    • Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) and Online Marketing
      • New Companies and Products with Niche Appeal May Choose Online/DTC Channels
      • Private Labels
      • Subscription Boxes
    • In-Store Purchasing Trends
      • Retail Stores Rely More On Impulse Purchases of Chocolate
      • Holiday Promotions Are Key
      • Private Label Chocolates Are a Driver of Store Traffic and Retailer Loyalty
    • Brand Positioning of Top Chocolate Marketers
      • Lindt & Sprüngli Group
      • Godiva (pladis)
      • Hershey
      • Mars Wrigley
      • Ferrero
  • Consumer Demographics
    • Highlights
    • Chocolate Purchases Highest Among Younger and Middle Age Consumers
      • Table Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Age Bracket, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Generation, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Age Bracket, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Women Are More Likely than Men to Purchase Chocolate
      • Table Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Gender, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Gender, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Chocolate Purchases Vary Somewhat Across Different Household Income Brackets, But Are High Among All Groups
      • Table Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Household Income Bracket, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Household Income Bracket, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Married/Partnered Consumers and Presence of Children in the Household
      • Table Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Marriage Status and Children under 18, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Partnership Status and Children under 18, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • LGBT Consumers Are Somewhat More Likely to Buy Chocolate
      • Table Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by LGBT Affiliation, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Those Living in the Midwest Region Are Most Likely to Buy Chocolate
      • Table Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by US Region, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by US Region, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Rural, Suburban, and Urban Consumers Differ Somewhat in Chocolate Consumption
      • Table Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Population Density of Residence Area,2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Rural, Suburban, and Urban Environment, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Chocolate Purchases Are High Among All Racial/Ethnic Groups
      • Table Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Race/Ethnicity, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Race/Ethnicity, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Differences in Chocolate Purchases Based on Educational Attainment
      • Table Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Educational Attainment, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Educational Attainment, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Frequent Consumers of Chocolate Are More Likely to Follow Non- Omnivore Diets/Eating Philosophies
      • Table Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Primary Diet/Eating Philosophy, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Primary Diet/Eating Philosophy, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Use of Online Grocery Shopping Websites
      • Table Purchases or Use of Chocolate Formats in the Last Six Months by Use of Online Grocery Delivery Services in the Last 30 Days, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table Frequent Consumption of Chocolate Types by Use of Online Grocery Websites in the Last 30 Days, 2024 (percent of consumers)
  • Consumer Psychographics
    • Highlights
    • Priorities When Choosing Where to Shop for Groceries
      • Table Priorities When Choosing Where to Shop for Groceries, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table Priorities When Choosing Where to Shop for Groceries (Continued), 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Priorities Placed on Food Characteristics
      • Table Priorities Placed on Food Characteristics, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Priorities Placed on Chocolate
      • Table Priorities Placed on Chocolate Characteristics, 2024 (percent of frequent chocolate consumers and boxed chocolate/candy buyers in the last 12 months)
    • Willingness to Pay More for Premium Food Characteristics
      • Table Consumer Agreement on Statements about Willingness to Pay More for Premium Foods, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Willingness to Pay More for Different Chocolate Features
      • Table Agreement on Statements about Willingness to Pay More for Chocolate, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Most Consumers Think Dark Chocolate Is Healthy and that Chocolate Can Be Consumed As Part of a Healthy Lifestyle
      • Table Agreement on Statements about Willingness to Pay More for Chocolate, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Concerns about Chocolate Prices
      • Table Agreement on Statements about Chocolate Prices, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Organic Food Purchases
      • Table Consumer Agreement on Statements about Organic Food Purchases, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Food Processing and Clean Ingredients and Labels
      • Table Consumer Agreement on Statements about Clean Ingredients, Food Processing, and Labels, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Snacking Behavior
      • Table Statements about Snacking, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree)
    • Grocery Shopping and Meal Planning Habits
      • Table Consumer Agreement on Statements about Grocery Shopping and Eating Habits, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Cooking Skills
      • Table Consumer Confidence with Cooking Skills, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Table Consumer Rating of Cooking Skills, 2024 (percent of consumers)
    • Consumer Attitudes on Food and Health
      • Attitudes about Carbs, Proteins, and Whole/Unprocessed Foods
        • Table Statements about Sweeteners, Calories, and Sugar, 2024 (percent of consumers who strongly agree)
      • Preferences for Indulgent Foods
        • Table Indulgent Food Preferences among Those Who Have Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree completely)
      • Cooking Attitudes
        • Table Cooking Attitudes among Those Who Have Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree completely)
      • Attitudes on Convenience Foods, Being Busy, and Stress
        • Table Attitudes on Convenience Foods, Being Busy, and Stress, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree completely)
      • Nutrition and Health Attitudes
        • Table Nutrition and Health Attitudes among Those Who Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree completely)
      • Attitudes on Premium Foods and Paying for Food
        • Table Attitudes on Premium Foods and Paying for Food among Those Who Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree completely)
      • Openness to New Food Experiences
        • Table Attitudes on Openness to New Food Experiences among Those Who Have Bought or Used Chocolate in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who agree completely)
  • Packaging Trends
    • Highlights
    • The Balance Between Effective and Low-Cost Packaging
    • Recyclable/Environmentally Friendly Packaging Is More Important Than Ever
    • Opportunities for Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging
    • Truth in Advertising Extends to Packaging
    • Functional Packaging Can Be Framed as Sustainability
    • Creative Packaging Provides Gift Recipients with a Memorable Experience
    • Protective Packaging Is Important For Product Integrity
    • Retail-Ready Packaging Makes Chocolate Promotions Stand Out and Promotes Stocking Efficiency in Stores
    • Sustainability Trends: Consumer Insights
      • What Consumers Think about Sustainability Issues and Sustainable Lifestyles
        • Table Consumer Agreement on Statements about Sustainability, 2024 (percent of consumers)
        • Table Importance of Practices When Living a Sustainable Lifestyle, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Recycling and Composting Services
        • Table Consumer Access to Recycling and Composting Services, 2024 (percent of consumers)
        • Table Consumer Usage Frequency of Recycling and Composting Services, 2024 (percent of consumers who report using each service)
      • Thoughts on Packaging and Waste
        • Table Consumer Agreement on Statements about Recycling and Packaging Materials, 2024 (percent of consumers)
        • Table Packaging Types Considered Most Eco-Friendly, 2024 (percent of consumers)
        • Table Importance of Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Packaging Characteristics, 2024 (percent of consumers)
      • Consumers Think that Environmental Responsibility Is Personal
        • Table Environmental Attitudes among Chocolate Buyers and Users in the Last 6 Months, 2024 (percent of consumers who completely agree)

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